Santi Cazorla believes that Arsenal's new-found defensive stability is the key to their successful season

Santi Cazorla believes that Arsenal’s new-found defensive stability is the key to their successful season.

The Gunners have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League this season and currently lead the English top flight by a point from Manchester City.

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices that you’re not used to, but that’s what you have to do

Santi Cazorla

And Cazorla says that the whole of Arsene Wenger’s side are prepared to do their bit defensively as they look to bring the top-flight trophy back to north London.

“I believe that defence is the fundamental basis of any successful side,” Cazorla told Arsenal Player. “If this team must base itself on something, it’s keeping clean sheets because when we do I think it means we guarantee the win in every game.

“The team is strong going forward and creates a lot of opportunities in every game. If you concede, you’ve got more ground to make up so it’s important that we keep as many clean sheets as possible.

“Sometimes you have to pull your sleeves up on the pitch and put in the hard work, particularly the players who play further forward.

“I remember the game against Newcastle at their place when [Tomas] Rosicky and I were practically playing out on the wings because that’s what was needed.

“Sometimes you have to make sacrifices that you’re not used to, but that’s what you have to do if you want to get results. I’ve become used to it now as it’s the best way to help the team – and that is what counts.”